Pressure regulator

ABSTRACT

What is disclosed is a pressure regulator having a mechanism to turn fluid flow through the pressure regulator on or off. The pressure regulator incorporates an actuator by which fluid flow to a pressure chamber that controls the linear movement of a flow tube is selectively actuated from one of a downstream supply and a pressurized fluid supply, such as an upstream supply. The actuator can be a manual, electromechanical, hydraulic or other form of actuator.

PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 16/261,987, filed Jan. 30, 2019, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/740,832 filed Oct. 3, 2018, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/774,767, filed Dec. 3, 2018, thedisclosures of which are each incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of irrigation pressureregulators. Particular embodiments relate to a pressure regulator withan on/off function.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Pressure regulators are utilized in a variety of irrigation systems. Forexample, pressure regulators function to maintain a predeterminedpressure and/or lower pressure generally downstream of a main or primaryirrigation line. For example, a pressure regulator is often used toregulate water pressure from a primary irrigation line to a sprinkler.What is needed is a mechanism for turning the flow of fluid on and offat the pressure regulator and preferably an actuating mechanism thatinherently drains when fluid is removed from the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having ahydraulic actuator in the on position.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having ahydraulic actuator in the off position.

FIG. 3 is an external isometric view of a pressure regulator having ahydraulic actuator.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional isometric view of a pressureregulator having a hydraulic actuator.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a pressure regulator having ahydraulic actuator.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator utilizing a solenoid in the off position.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator utilizing a solenoid in the on position.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator in the on position further illustrating thepresence of fluid in the on position.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator in the off position further illustrating thepresence of fluid in the off position.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional isometric view of a pressureregulator having an electromechanical actuator utilizing a solenoid inthe on position.

FIG. 11 is an external isometric view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator utilizing a solenoid.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of a pressure regulator having anelectromechanical actuator utilizing a solenoid.

FIG. 13 is an external isometric view of a pressure regulator having anmanual actuator.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a cross section of a pressure regulatorhaving an manual actuator in the off position.

FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anmanual actuator in the off position.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of a pressure regulator having anmanual actuator in the on position.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of a pressure regulator having anmanual actuator.

SUMMARY

The purpose of the Summary is to enable the public, and especially thescientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosureof the application. The Summary is neither intended to define theinventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by theclaims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of theinventive concept(s) in any way.

In a preferred embodiment the pressure regulator has a housing assemblydefining a fluid flow path from an input end to an output end. Thepressure regulator serves to regulate the pressure of fluid downstreamof the pressure regulator. The term fluid is used generically herein todefine a fluid or a gas the flow of which can be regulated with apressure regulator. Fluid that has been pressure regulated is definedherein as a downstream fluid supply. The pressure regulator has atubular flow tube supported within said housing assembly. The tubularflow tube defines a fluid flow path from the first end of the tubularflow tube to a second end of the tubular flow tube.

The pressure regulator includes a pressure chamber defined by adiaphragm extending between the housing assembly and the tubular flowtube. The diaphragm provides a fluid tight seal in defining a wall ofthe pressure chamber. In a preferred embodiment the diaphragmcircumvolves the flow tube and the pressure chamber similarlycircumvolves the flow tube. The tubular flow tube is configured forlinear movement toward and away from a valve seat in response to fluidpressure on the diaphragm from the pressure chamber.

The pressure chamber has a fluid port configured to deliver fluid to thepressure chamber. Generally this fluid port is located within a wall ofthe housing assembly that defines the pressure chamber. The pressureregulator utilizes an actuator that is configured to selectivelydistribute fluid to the fluid port from one of a pressurized fluidsupply and a downstream fluid supply. The actuator can be in a varietyof forms, including a manual actuator, an electromechanical orelectronic actuator (herein collectively called an electromechanicalactuator) such as a solenoid, and a hydraulic actuator.

When the actuator is delivering fluid from downstream fluid flow thepressure in the pressure chamber is governed by the downstream flowpressure of the regulator. The flow tube is configured to linearlyadjust to allow varying amounts of fluid through the pressure regulatorwhich allows the regulator to effectively self adjust until the desiredpressure is met. In a preferred and typically standard embodiment, aspring is utilized that exerts opposing force on the flow tube than theforce exerted on the flow tube by pressure on the diaphragm. The springfurther serves to bias the flow tube and the seat apart when thepressure regulator is not connected to a fluid supply or when fluid isnot flowing through the system.

When the pressure regulator is in operation, the spring compresses andthe opening between the seat and the flow tube narrows, until the springcompression reaches a preset or predetermined amount of pressure forwhich the spring has been selected, thus regulating the system. Thedownstream fluid supply can be taken from any point downstream of theopening between the seat and the flow tube, although in a preferredembodiment the port is positioned in the housing assembly downstream ofthe flow tube.

When the actuator is delivering fluid from an external or upstreamsource to the pressure regulator the pressure chamber fills with fluid.The pressure from the fluid in the fluid chamber acts on the diaphragmcausing the diaphragm and attached flow tube to move linearly toward theseat. When the flow tube meets the seat the flow of fluid through theflow tube is blocked, thus effectively “turning off” the flow throughthe pressure regulator. Preferably the actuator is configured to providefluid from the pressure chamber from a source upstream of the pressureregulator.

The pressure regulator has a seal positioned between the tubular flowtube and the housing assembly. The seal allows for linear movement ofthe tubular flow tube relative to housing assembly while preventingfluid from the pressure chamber from traveling around the tubular flowtube and out of the pressure chamber via the output. Preferably thisseal is a chevron seal.

In a preferred embodiment utilizes an actuation chamber in fluidconnection with the fluid port. The actuation chamber has a first fluidinlet and a second fluid inlet. The first fluid inlet is configured toreceive fluid from the pressurized fluid source. The second fluid inletis configured to receive fluid from the downstream fluid supply. Theactuator is configured within the chamber to selectively allow fluidfrom the first fluid inlet or the second fluid inlet to enter theactuation chamber and thus to the fluid port and the pressure chamber.

In a preferred embodiment the hydraulic actuator includes a pistonchamber in fluid connection with the pressurized fluid supply. Thepiston chamber is in sealable fluid connection with the fluid port tothe pressure chamber. The fluid port to the pressure chamber is insealable connection with the downstream fluid supply port. The pistonchamber houses a piston connected to a plunger such that the piston andplunger are configured to move between an open position and a closedposition. When the piston and plunger are in the open position theplunger is configured to seal the sealable connection between the pistonchamber and the fluid port to the pressure chamber. The connectionbetween the fluid port and the downstream fluid supply is open allowingdownstream fluid to enter the pressure chamber and the pressureregulator functions to regulate the pressure of the fluid passingthrough the pressure regulator. In the closed position the plunger isconfigured to seal the sealable connection between the fluid port to thepressure chamber and the downstream fluid supply port and the connectionbetween the fluid port to the pressure chamber and the pressurized fluidsupply is open, thus allowing the pressurized fluid supply to enter thepressure chamber and to close the pressure regulator.

In this embodiment the piston and plunger are configured to move fromthe open position to the closed position in response to fluid pressurefrom the pressurized fluid supply. Typically a valve independent fromthe pressure regulator is utilized to control fluid flow from thepressurized fluid supply to the pressure regulator, although this valvecould be incorporated into the pressure regulator at the entrance of thepressurized fluid supply to the piston chamber. In a preferredembodiment fluid from the pressurized fluid supply enters the pistonchamber and begins filling the piston chamber. This causes the piston torise thus moving both the piston and the plunger upward. The piston andplunger can be separate elements that are connected or a unitaryelement. In a preferred embodiment a spring biases the piston andplunger in an open position with the spring configured or selected witha resistance that is configured to be overcome when the fluid from thepressurized fluid supply is filling the piston chamber.

In a preferred embodiment the sealable connection between the pistonchamber and the fluid port to the pressure chamber utilizes an o-ring.In the open position the piston is in sealed connection with the o-ringbetween the piston chamber and the fluid port to the pressure chamberthus preventing fluid flowing from the pressurized fluid supply via thepiston chamber to the fluid port to the pressure chamber. An o-ring isprovided as the sealable connection between the fluid supply port to thepressure chamber and the downstream fluid supply port such that in the“closed” position the plunger is in sealed connection with this o-ringto prevent fluid flow from the piston chamber to the pressure chamberfrom flowing out the port to the downstream fluid supply.

In a preferred embodiment the pressure regulator utilizes a solenoidactuator. The solenoid preferably is a pulse actuated solenoid thatmoves between an open position and a closed position in response to anelectrical pulse from a controller. The solenoid functions in a similarmanner to hydraulic function above. In a preferred embodiment anelectrical pulse generates a magnetic field in the solenoid which causesthe solenoid piston to move from a closed position to an open positionor alternatively from an open position to a closed position. In the openor on position the solenoid piston is blocking flow from the pressurizedfluid supply from entering the solenoid chamber and/or the port to thediaphragm chamber. In a preferred embodiment a seal, preferably rubber,is positioned on top of the piston and comes into contact with a seatpositioned at the top of the piston chamber. In the open position (orregulating position) the seal is in contact with the seat closing flowinput in to the piston chamber from the pressurized fluid supply. Afluid connection is established between the downstream fluid supply andthe diaphragm chamber and the pressure regulator is regulating pressureof fluid flow through the pressure regulator. In the off position thesolenoid piston has moved such that downstream fluid flow to thediaphragm chamber has been blocked. In a preferred embodiment a seal ispositioned either on the bottom of the piston or proximate to theopening to a port to a downstream fluid supply. In the closed position(or off position) the piston and seal operate to prevent flow from thepiston chamber to the port to the downstream fluid supply. In thisposition the pressurized fluid supply is in fluid connection with thediaphragm chamber, pressure builds in the diaphragm chamber, and thepressure on the diaphragm moves the flow tube into connection with theseat, thus the closing the opening between the seat and the flow tube.

In an alternate embodiment the pressure regulator utilizes a manualactuator. In an embodiment the manual actuator utilizes a spoolpositioned in a spool housing. The spool is configured to rotate aboutan axis and to move linearly along the axis when rotating between aclosed position and an open position in the spool housing. In the closedposition the spool is configured to allow fluid flow from a pressurizedfluid supply port to the fluid port to the pressure chamber and toprevent flow from the downstream fluid supply port to the fluid port tothe pressure chamber. In the open position the spool is configured toallow fluid flow from the downstream fluid supply port to the fluid portand to prevent fluid flow between said pressurized fluid supply port tosaid fluid port. In the open position the spool rotates to unblock thefluid path between the downstream fluid supply port and the fluid portto the pressure chamber.

In a preferred embodiment the spool utilizes a first seal and a secondseal to prevent fluid flow in the open and closed positions. In thisembodiment the first seal and the second seal are positioned apart onthe spool. The spool further defines a spool passageway between thefirst seal and the second seal and around the spool. This allows fluidto flow between the pressurized fluid supply and the pressure chamber ina closed position. Fluid flowing from the pressurized fluid supply flowsthrough the passageway around the spool to the fluid port to thepressure chamber. The seals prevent fluid from escaping the passagewayin the closed position. In the open position the spool is positionedsuch that fluid is allowed to flow from the downstream fluid supply portto the fluid port to the pressure chamber at a position exterior to thespool such that the second seal prevents fluid from flowing into thespool passageway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible ofvarious modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustratedembodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will bedescribed below in detail. It should be understood, however, that thereis no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific formdisclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimedinventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternativeconstructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope ofthe inventive concept(s) as defined herein.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements areidentified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and“or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unlessotherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but notlimited to,” unless otherwise noted.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a pressure regulator utilizing ahydraulic actuated on/off function. FIG. 1 depicts a cross section viewof a pressure regulator having a hydraulic on/off control in a pressureregulating function in which the pressure regulator is in the “on” orregulating function. The pressure regulator utilizes a housing having aninput 1 and an output 2. In general, a fluid (such as fluid in anirrigation line) enters the pressure regulator at the input housing,flows through the flow tube 11, and is discharged through the dischargehousing 2.

In the on or open position, fluid flows through the pressure regulatortube 11 and through the output and toward a sprinkler or otherirrigation line. The spring 14 generally biases the flow tube 11 in anopen position, meaning with the spring extended and the tube biased awayfrom the seat 8. As fluid flows through the flow tube 11, the fluidreaches a downstream sprinkler or other flow limiting device andpressure builds in the line downstream of the regulator. Typicallypressure regulators include a diaphragm chamber 98 that is in fluidcontact with the downstream flow from the regulator. As the downstreampressure builds, it also increases in the diaphragm chamber causing thepressure to act on the surface of the diaphragm 3 applying an opposingforce on the flow tube and spring 14. The diaphragm is generally a discshape that circumvolves the flow tube whereas similarly the diaphragmchamber circumvolves the flow tube. The diaphragm chamber is not influid connection with fluid upstream from the pressure regulator. Whenthe downstream pressure rises to a point to overcome the pressure fromthe spring holding the flow tube open, the spring begins to compressthus narrowing the opening between the flow tube and the seat. Thespring compresses until it reaches its preset or preselected pressurepoint at which the gap between the seat is such that an amount of fluidis allowed through the opening to obtain a predetermined downstreampressure.

The on/off function depicted in FIG. 1 utilizes an upstream fluid input22 to actuate the on/off function of the depicted pressure regulator. Inthe on (or regulating) position, upstream fluid flow into and throughtube 22 is not occurring. Spring 32 biases piston 27 and plunger 25 intoan open (or on or regulating) position such that ports 99, 100 are influid connection but not in connection with upstream flow 22 or pistonchamber 40. Upstream fluid flow from tube 22 is shut off and the chambersurrounding the piston 27 is sealed off from ports 99 and 100. Plunger25 is displaced away from o-ring 26 allowing fluid to flow between port99 and 100. Plunger 25 has sealed the opening between the piston chamberand upper o-ring 39. This allows for downstream pressure buildup viaport 100 and port 99 in the diaphragm chamber 98 to act on the diaphragm3 and the regulator operates in regulating downstream pressure.

FIG. 2 depicts the pressure regulator of hydraulic control in a closed(or off) position. From the open position depicted in FIG. 1 apressurized fluid supply is introduced via tube 22. Fluid flows into thepiston chamber (alternatively called a piston housing) surrounding thepiston from tube 22 via port 97 shown partially in FIG. 2 and beginsfilling the piston chamber causing the piston to rise and thuscompressing spring 32. Piston o-ring 33 prevents fluid from escaping thepiston chamber toward the spring and allows for pressure build up withinthe piston housing. When sufficient pressure has built up the pressureovercomes the resistance of the spring and the piston and plunger moveupward. This upward movement opens the sealable connection between thepiston chamber and the fluid port to the diaphragm pressure chamber. Theupward movement of the plunger further brings the lower end of (distalend from the piston) in position to seal the connection between port 99and port 100 preventing fluid flowing between the diaphragm chamber andport 99 from flowing to port 100.

Fluid continues to flow to port 99 from the piston chamber around theplunger and eventually will equalize with the upstream fluid pressurefrom tube 22. The upstream fluid pressure from port 99 acts on thediaphragm connected to the flow tube 11 and displaces the diaphragm andflow tube toward the seat 8. When the end of the flow tube reaches theseat 8, fluid is prevented from flowing through the flow tube at themeeting of the flow tube and the seat thus the regulator is in an “off”position. A seal 6 is positioned between the flow tube and the walls ofthe regulator to prevent fluid from passing from the diaphragm chamberinto the downstream port of the regulator. While an o-ring or similargasket can be used for this seal, in a preferred embodiment this seal isa chevron seal.

In the off position port 100 is blocked or disconnected from fluidcontact with port 99. When the pressure regulator is changed to aregulating (or on) position (allowing fluid flow through the tube 11),port 100 and 99 are in fluid connection allowing pressure from thespring 14 to open the flow tube thus allowing fluid to pass from theinput through the flow tube.

FIGS. 6-12 illustrate an embodiment of a pressure regulator utilizing anelectronic or electromechanical actuated on/off function with thedepicted embodiment utilizing a solenoid. FIG. 6 depicts an electriccontrol on/off pressure regulator in a closed position. In the closedposition, an electrical impulse has caused the on/off function to closeby causing the solenoid piston 17 to move to a closed position. Thesolenoid can utilize a continuous electrical flow to remain closed oropen, however in a preferred embodiment an electrical pulse utilizingsolenoid is utilized. This type of solenoid operates to change the valvefrom an open position to a closed position in response to a pulse ofelectricity typically from a controller. In the depicted closedposition, the solenoid piston 17 is blocking flow from port 99 to port100 yet allowing upstream fluid input from input tube 28 to flow intoport 99 via an unblocked opening (not shown in FIG. 6).

The upstream fluid flow builds pressure in port 99 and in the diaphragmchamber or void 98, thus exerting pressure on the diaphragm 3. Thisforces the diaphragm and flow tube 11 toward seat 8 and eventuallycloses until the flow tube and seat are in contact, thus blocking theflow of fluid through the pressure regulator.

FIG. 7 depicts the on/off electric function of FIG. 3 in a regulating(or on) position. In the regulating position, the solenoid has receivedelectricity from a controller (not shown) causing the solenoid to movethe piston upward and away from the opening to port 100, thus fluidlyconnecting port 99 and port 100. Fluid flow from input tube 28 into thediaphragm chamber has ceased. The regulator is in a pressure regulatingposition allowing the flow tube to move in response to pressure from thedownstream flow of fluid in the downstream system (as discussed above).

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a cross-sectional view of an electromechanicaloperated on/off function for a pressure regulator. The shadingillustrates the flow of fluid in each of the FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8illustrates an electromechanical control mechanism in the on orregulating position. FIG. 9 illustrates an electromechanical controlmechanism in the off position. While the actuator is different, ingeneral the principle behind the mechanism is similar whether it iselectric actuated, hydraulic actuated as discussed above, or manualactuated as discussed below. An alternative actuator could be used thandiscussed herein that does not differentiate from the principlesdiscussed herein. In the on or regulating position, downstream pressurebuilds at the sprinkler or other impediment, causing pressure to buildat the pressure regulator. The downstream fluid and associated pressureflows through port (previously 100) and into port (previously 99) andinto the diaphragm housing, thus imparting downstream pressure on thediaphragm. The diaphragm forces the movement of the flow tube toward theseat until a regulating pressure from the spring is met, as discussedabove. In contrast, in FIG. 9 ports 99 and 100 are disconnected and port99 is in connection with upstream fluid input the upstream pressure viaport (previously 99) asserted on the diaphragm is stronger than thespring pressure, thus closing the flow tube against the seat andpreventing the flow of fluid through the flow tube.

FIGS. 13 through 17 illustrate a pressure regulator having an on/offfunction having a manual actuator. In the depicted manual controlembodiment a control lever raises and lowers a spool 105 when lever 106is rotated. The threads of the spool engage with mated threads of thehousing 108, which forms the walls of the spool chamber, such thatrotation of the lever causes the threaded spool to rotate vertically.FIG. 14-15 illustrate the embodiment in a closed position in whichupstream fluid flow is prevented from flowing through the regulator. Thelever has been rotated to CLOSED position and port 104 (receivingupstream fluid via tube 22) is connected to port 99 thus allowingupstream fluid to act on the diaphragm (as discussed above) causing theflow tube to move toward the seat. Spool 105 is closed against seat 101closing off port 100. This isolates and closes the diaphragm chamberfrom the downstream port and the valve closes.

FIG. 16 illustrates the depiction of the embodiment having a manualactuator in an open position in which the lever has been rotated to theOPEN position. The spool has been rotated upward and port 104 has beenclosed off by the spool. Ports 99 and 100 are connected allowing theregulator to open and control pressure as discussed above.

While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in the Figures anddescribed in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that thepresently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but maybe variously embodied to practice within the scope of the followingclaims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A pressure regulator with an on/off function, said pressureregulator comprising: a housing assembly defining a fluid flow path froman input end to an output end, wherein fluid output from said housing isdefined as a downstream fluid supply; a tubular flow tube supportedwithin said housing assembly, wherein said tubular flow tube defines afluid flow path from a first tubular flow tube end to a second tubularflow tube end; a pressure chamber defined by a diaphragm extendingbetween said housing assembly and said tubular flow tube, wherein saidtubular flow tube is configured for linear movement toward and away froma valve seat in response to fluid pressure on said diaphragm from saidpressure chamber; a fluid port configured to deliver fluid to saidpressure chamber; and an actuator configured to selectively distributefluid to said fluid port from one of a pressurized fluid supply and saiddownstream fluid supply, wherein in an open position said actuator isconfigured to distribute fluid from said downstream fluid supply to saidfluid port and to prohibit fluid from said upstream fluid supply fromentering said port, wherein in a closed position said actuator isconfigured to distribute fluid from said pressurized fluid supply tosaid fluid port and to prohibit fluid from said downstream fluid supplyfrom entering said fluid port.
 2. The pressure regulator of claim 1further comprising a spring configured to bias said tubular flow tubeaway from said seat when said pressure regulator is free of fluidtraveling through said pressure regulator.
 3. The pressure regulator ofclaim 1 wherein said actuator is a manual actuator.
 4. The pressureregulator of claim 1 wherein said actuator is an electromechanicalactuator.
 5. The pressure regulator of claim 4, wherein saidelectromechanical actuator comprises a solenoid.
 6. The pressureregulator of claim 4 wherein said electromechanical actuator comprises apulse actuated solenoid.
 7. The pressure regulator of claim 1 whereinsaid actuator is a hydraulic actuator.
 8. The pressure regulator ofclaim 1 wherein said regulator is configured to provide pressurizedfluid supply from an upstream fluid source from said pressure regulator.9. The pressure regulator of claim 1 wherein said pressure chambercircumvolves said tubular flow tube.
 10. The pressure regulator of claim1 wherein said pressure chamber comprises a seal positioned between saidtubular flow tube and said housing assembly configured to allow for saidlinear movement of said tubular flow tube in said housing assembly andto prevent fluid from said pressure chamber from traveling around saidtubular flow tube and out said output.
 11. The pressure regulator ofclaim 10 wherein said seal comprises a chevron seal.